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492 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 6: Non-financial eligibility Congress introduces changes and passes laws. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a federal agency, sets regulations and monitors the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program for states that receive federal funds for its administration. Besides federal laws and regulations, the program also follows the respective state’s statutes on policies not specifically addressed by their federal counterparts. The TANF program has undergone numerous changes since it officially began in 1937. The changes are usually made as a result of the economic, political and social changes in our country. They often reflect the various attitudes and thoughts on poverty and welfare dependency. These attitudes and thoughts have affected laws and brought forth further changes to the program, not only in Oregon but also in other states. Under TANF, states are given the flexibility to design their welfare programs according to their own needs. However, there are a few prohibitions. For example: • A needy family must still include a minor child under age 18 and a caretaker relative. • There is no assistance for families not assigning certain support rights to the state. • There is no assistance for minor parents not living in adult-supervised settings. With previously approved waivers from the federal government, Oregon has been making changes to its welfare programs for the last few years. TANF was a welcome change. It allowed us to continue with the changes we requested under the Oregon Option waiver and make other changes we think necessary to help participants reach their goal of self-sufficiency. Oregon is on track with its goals and mission with welfare reform. Not only are we able to help our participants find jobs, we are able to help our participants keep their jobs or find better employment. ERDC This does not apply to the ERDC program. REF This does not apply to the REF program. MSP This does not apply to MSP. OSIPM This does not apply to OSIPM. HSD This does not apply to HSD medical programs. Job separation and voluntary reduction of hours Applicants and participants who have quit or been fired from a productive job could be ineligible for benefits unless they have a good reason/cause. Good cause is determined by ODHS|OHA. Job loss covers voluntary quit of a job, voluntary reduction of hours and termination of a job. Job loss chart by program